Cost vs. Value

Your home is the perfect place to express yourself. Grecian columns in the bathroom? Go for it. Pepto-Bismol pink exterior? Why not.


But some of us see our house not just as a home, but as an investment as well. We want to see the money we spend fixing/remodeling adding to the house's value, especially if we plan to sell within the next few years.


If you're one of those people who wants to maximize the return on your remodeling dollars, try this web site from Remodeling Magazine called Cost vs. Value. You'll find easy-to-understand graphs, like the one above, and specific information about what pays for itself, what doesn't, and what percentage of cost you can expect to recoup.


You can also see trends. For instance, exterior curb appeal is gaining over kitchen face lifts as the most common type of remodel. In that vein, currently popular are new entry and garage doors. Both pack a bang for (relatively) few bucks.


Maybe you're thinking of selling and don't know how to best apply your resources. If you'd like to discuss ideas about your home, what needs to be taken care of and what isn't worth the time or money, give me a call. Together we can make your house a home anyone would be proud to own.